The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.
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CANADIANS FEATURED IN THE APRIL 2024 ISSUE OF "GENII" Exclusive to Canada's Magic by The Magic Demon
In the current April 2024 issue of "Genii, The Conjurors' Magazine", one of Canada's best known magicians, Bill Abbott, rates an almost half page review of his most recent (fourth) appearance at The Magic Castle in Los Angeles. Shawn McMaster's column, "Knights at the Magic Castle", includes a great action photo of Bill receiving what appears to be an enthusiastic round of applause mid-performance. McMaster details Bill's act which when read certainly sounds like both Bill and his audience had an enjoyable time.
In her regular news column "The Eye", Vanessa Armstrong has a feature item on "The Magic Word" podcast with Scott Wells, who recently interviewed Murray SawChuck about his spate of on-line exposures. While making his own position against such exposure clear, Wells feels he has at least tried to offer a platform for both sides of this controversial and divisive issue.
Finally, in his editorial "Genii Speaks", editor Richard Kaufman offers an unambiguous personal endorsement for the craftsmanship of Roy Kueppers, now residing in Las Vegas. Kueppers' "cornucopia of coins gimmicked in a fantastical variety of ways" clearly delights Kaufman who concludes his editorial this month simply: "If you need a gimmicked coin, he [Roy]'s your guy". Also noteworthy, Roy has taken out a two page ad (the first time he has ever done so I believe) which includes an impressive testimonial from David Copperfield about Roy's latest "Statue Vanish" trick.
Genii is available by subscription, as a digital or printed-on-paper publication, as well as through your local magic dealer such as The Browser's Den of Magic in Toronto. The author paid for their own copy.
- The Magic Demon
Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!
Step into the captivating world of magic, mind-reading, and daring escapes with Mind Bender’s highly anticipated theatre show, “The Experience”!
Following its monumental success and sold-out debut at the historic Theatre Aurora in June 2023, due to overwhelming demand, we are thrilled to announce the return of a second show on Saturday, May 11th, 2024.
Prepare to be spellbound as Mind Bender takes you on an unforgettable journey. “The Experience” is an interactive spectacle that blurs the lines between reality and illusion, Witness impossible feats of magic and mind-reading that will have you leaving the show questioning what you thought was possible. From predicting your thoughts to mesmerizing illusions, this show will take you on an experience into the unknown. Don’t miss out on the chance to witness the unbelievable! • Entertainment for all ages • Alcohol and snacks for sale
The Experience will consist of two 45-minute sets with a 15-minute intermission in between. The first half will feature magic, illusion, and one of Mind Benders’ classic escape acts, while the second half will be dedicated to jaw-dropping mentalism.
Introducing the magical Grand Spectacle lineup for Apr 19 at the Palace Theatre πͺ The London Magicians' Guild has assembled an array of performers, including: ♣️ The Amazing Corbin is a magician, conjuring artist, and entertainer who uses his love of theatrics to captivate crowds. ♦️ Scott The Magical Guy has been working magic for 35+ years, mesmerizing audiences of all ages. ♠️ Dad Magic will wow and entertain with a range of tricks and jokes to keep you laughing.
Use code OEVMAGIC for magical savings: http://mytickets.palacetheatre.ca/OEVPALACEOFWONDERS ✨
The day after the eclipse, CAM is hosting our next Virtual Chapter on Tuesday, April 9, at 8:30 p.m. EST. ☀️πΆ️ππππππππ We'll share CAM's big (it’s HUGE!) news, PLUS Paul Romhany will reveal the hot magic tricks from this year's Blackpool convention! ... two suitcases full π
(For those in the know, rumour has it that Alexander Marsh will be giving a lecture hosted by Toronto's Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club -- IBM Ring 17. Keep your eyes peeled for more information.)
In addition to his participation in Champions of Magic, you may know Alex through:
his mentalism offerings (under the name Alexander Marsh and available at
The 1914
as well as other magic shops including
The Browser's Den of Magic), or
Our regular readers may recall that we were crushed when Alex
McAleer, due to circumstances beyond his control, was not available perform in Champions of Magic in Toronto last
December. Imagine our excitement when we learned that Alex is bringing his one-man show Alex McAleer - Mind Reader to Toronto in May!
We assume that you perform some pieces of your solo show as part of the Champions of Magic ensemble. How much of your solo show have we seen as part of the 2018 Champions of Magic experience in Toronto or the 2022 experience in Kitchener?
Yes, there’s a couple of things in the solo show that have been part of my work in Champions over the years - although the vast majority will be fresh stuff!
When you're part of an ensemble show, your performance drops into the overarching dynamic set by the show order and your co-performers' acts. Has that experience influenced how you structure the rhythm of your one-man show?
I’ve always liked to keep the structure of my solo stuff as dynamic as possible, like an ensemble show would be; so it’s not all too ‘samey’. I think one of the great things about Champions is that it wasn’t just the same sorts-of tricks over and over again. That can be trickier with a one-man mind reading show, but I keep the audience on their toes.
Alex McAleer (right)
The soundtrack for your show can definitely enhance the impact of your stage performance. (We particularly enjoy your use of Sing! Sing! Sing! in Champions.) From where (or from whom) do you get your inspiration for your music?
The only music in my show is as the audience walk-in and when they leave, but I pick vintage, up-beat music. Some are mid-20th century rock and blues, others are vintage covers of more contemporary songs. I find it sets the tone, the vibe as the kids say, for my style. Fun, playful, up-beat, retro but familiar.
We've seen you perform in large theatres and arenas. What modifications does a performer need to make in order to transition from performing in large arenas to playing small intimate spaces, such as Lighthouse ArtSpace?
Playing large arenas / spaces means a lot of subtlety is lost. I express with my face a lot, so in a big space that gets lost and I have to use my whole body to tell the audience what I’m thinking (ironically), but in a smaller space large gestures and reactions look a bit forced and unusual. A smaller space allows for a better connection with an audience, and for me that’s what it’s all about.
Will you be showcasing favourite effects or routines that don't play well large?
Yes I have a few favourites in the show that just wouldn’t really work in the fast paced, ensemble nature of a show like Champions. There’s a routine about my imaginary friend I had as a child, and and effect where the audience help take over control of a spectator.
Toronto won't be in the middle of winter when you visit this time! Is there anything in particular you're looking forward to exploring in the city in the (hopefully) warm weather?
I’ve never been to Toronto when it’s not been either very cold, or about to be very cold, so I’m looking forward to seeing it in a warmer light. I assume I’ll still have to bring a ‘toque’!?
What is the biggest change to your act, or change in your approach to your mentalism, since you joined Champions of Magic in 2013?
I’d say one of the biggest changes has been not needing to rely so heavily on the trick. Ten years of performing hundreds of shows, for all sorts of people in all sorts of venues, has taught me a lot about myself as an entertainer and performer.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the readers of Canada’s
Magic?
I'm looking forward to being back in Canada and I hope your readers can make it to my show!
Thank you Alex, for making the time to answer our questions!
Thank you to our 
